Saturday, September 6, 2008

Sound Off!

One of the things I incorporated into my previous contest was a survey about various things pertaining to my blog. I got a ton of responses to it and I loved reading about what you guys thought. I enjoyed reading what people liked and even what people didn't like. The whole point to it was finding out what I could do better on and what I should keep the same. So now that I've got a few people's opinions on my blog, I'm asking for those of you who didn't fill out a survey to let me know what you think.

When I asked for your favorite thing about the blog, the majority of the answers said something along the lines of:The quality of the reviews...they almost always match up with my opinion of the books.I like how your reviews are short and to the point. They seem honest like you would say if you totally hated a book, which a lot of reviewers just won't do.The book reviewsIt's got like everything! You pick some awesome books to review =)I enjoy reading your reviews.I really love the book reviews of course. You seem to read pretty fast and have some really good reviews posted.My favorite thing about Liv's Book Reviews are the reviews. They are great and and I like how you sometimes compare the book or tell why you did or didn't liked it.You don't choose the same as everyone else all the time like other book blogs I visit. I like that when I check out your site I know that the book you review isn't going to be the same as any site that week or so.

I'm so glad to hear that! :) I work really hard on my reviews and I'm glad you guys like them!

One of the big issues seemed to be with my layout. I, personally, love it. But I there are some people out there that aren't too fond of it.

When I asked about your least favorite thing about the blog, a lot of people said:I would suggest changing up the color of the layout. It kind looks washed out to me. the design isn't creative enough. can you kick it up a notch? kind of just a suggestion.the background isn't my favorite color?? The layout is a little boring. Maybe a little more eye catching colors.I would love to see a more exciting background/color scheme.I don't particularly like the teal/sea green backgroundAll the green gives me a headache.

But then I got comments like this:I love the background colorI love your color scheme! Seriously! :PI love the colors and your blog just has a really welcoming feel to it.

I think that was probably the biggest issue. What do you guys think? For the colors/layout or against them?

The other thing which people were split on was the music player.I have a confession. When I am at school and I can't get on my itunes I go to your site for music! We have similar taste in music and I constantly need music for typing anything!The Music! While your book reviews are awesome, I think the fact that your site has music really sets you apart.

Verses

I must say I'm not a fan of the music. I don't know if there is an option where the music doesn't play immediately upon entering the site, but if there is, I would like it if the blogs with the music implemented it. It's not I don't like music or the selection you choose, it's just often loud and not really what I want when reading reviews.the music player scares me out of my mind when it starts playing automatically, but maybe I'm just jumpy.

I want to keep the music, but I've set it so that you have to actually click play to hear it so that those of you who are jumpy don't get scared. :D

Reading the surveys was just a really good way for me to get feedback; it was through that that I got the idea for the Bits 'n Pieces feature and the new banner at the top of the blog.

Also, I don't think a ton of readers comment regularily so it was a cool thing to see what a bunch of people, who I didn't even knew read my blog, thought!

If you guys would let me know what you thought of the comments and suggestions and your opinions on them, I would be so grateful. I want to get everyone's opinions. And I promise, if you say you hate something I won't hold it against you. :) I want constructive criticism, so the harsh opinions are the most valuable ones.

I agree, your reviews are great! And another thing to add to what my favorite feature of Liv's Book Reviews is the Bit's N' Pieces feature. (who doesn't love knowing random things about a author and winning free books?)

I'm not a fan of the color scheme, but it wouldn't stop me from reading your blog. I mean, content trumps aesthetics every day of the week.

Also, I love that you changed the music settings! Yay you! I love your taste in music, but if I'm listening to a song in iTunes and come to read your blog, I don't want other music to come blasting on as well.

Thanks for listening to our feedback and analyzing what we've said. It makes us feel important =)

I am so glad my comments helped! I saw like 3 of them! I like the color scheme and the new banner is ten times better! The Bits and pieces thing is a great new feature, and I love the totally random, not about book plot questions you ask. I didn't think about the music blaring on with itunes, but this is a good point. However i am addicted to your music so when ever I get to you blog I pause my music! If you ever get bored and would like to send me a copy of all the music from the site I would love you even more! lol, I know you can't do that, but maybe you should include a copy with the Bits and pieces books, or have more contests, just because I want your playlist! Keep up the good work Liv!

Currently Reading...

'09 Challenge

BOOKSThe Dollanganger SeriesFlowers in the Attic
Petals on the Wind
If There Be Thorns
Seeds of Yesterday
Garden of Shadows

The Logan Series
Melody
Heart Song
Unfinished Symphony
Music in the Night
Olivia

My Sweet Audrina

Books Read

2009

January:
1. The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs
2. Discovering Pig Magic by Julie Crabtree
3. What They Always Tell Us by Martin Wilson
4. Flowers In The Attic by V.C. Andrews
5. Cracked Up To Be by Courtney SummersTotals for January: 5 books & 1,488 pages Complete Totals: 5 books &1,499 pages

April
14. The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King
15. Evolution, Me and Other Freaks of Nature by Robin Brande
16. Willow by Julia Hoban
17. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
18. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
19. The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch AlbomTotals for April: 6 books & 2,138 pagesComplete Totals: 19 books & 6,341 pages

May
20. Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld
21. The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
22. One Lonely Degree by C.K. Kelly Martin
23. Shelter Me by Alex McAulay
24. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
25. Out of the Pocket by Bill Konigsberg
26. Second Helpings by Megan McCafferty

April
39. The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray
40. You Know Where To Find Me by Rachel Cohn
41. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
42. How NOT to Be Popular by Jennifer Ziegler
43. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
44. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
45. Airhead by Meg Cabot
46. A Little Friendly Advice by Siobhan Vivian
47. Lost It by Kristen Tracy
48. Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway
49. The Final Warning by James Patterson
50. Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
51. The Elite by Jennifer Banash
52. Perfect You by Elizabeth ScottTotals for April: 14 books & 4,860 pagesComplete Totals: 52 books & 16,149 pages

May
53. Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
54. One Whole And Perfect Day by Judith Clarke
55. The Host by Stephenie Meyer
56. Pretty Face by Mary Hogan
57. I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder
58. Looking For Alaska by John Green
59. The Dead and The Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer
60. She's So Money by Cherry Cheva
61. Becoming Chloe by Catherine Ryan Hyde
62. How To Be Bad by E. Lockhart, Sarah Mlynowski, and Lauren Myracle
63. Generation Dead by Daniel Waters
64. How To Build a House by Dana Reinhardt
65. Frostbite by Richelle MeadTotals for May: 13 books & 3,980 pagesComplete Totals: 65 books & 20,129 pages